Hi, Im looking to buy a 2003 Tacoma Double Cab SR5 TRD with around 37,000 miles. My only issue is I have heard all kinds of bad things about the frames on these older trucks rusting away no matter how low the miles or how nice the body.........Can anyone give any suggestions? The frame looks good to me but I hear they rust from the inside out????

Hi, Im looking to buy a 2003 Tacoma Double Cab SR5 TRD with around 37,000 miles. My only issue is I have heard all kinds of bad things about the frames on these older trucks rusting away no matter how low the miles or how nice the body.........Can anyone give any suggestions? The frame looks good to me but I hear the rust from the inside out????

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It depends on where you are buying it from, and where the truck has been. Like any used car make sure you read the CarFax. The affected years were before 2000 according to my local dealer.

My 01 Doublecab Prerunner has lived its entire life either in Houston, TX or in Ft Walton Beach, FL. The rust I have is just normal surface rust. Now if you were up north were it snows then that might be something to think about. In any case see if the seller will meet you at a local Toyota dealer so you both know. Also Google the subject and you will find lots of information & pictures.

Thanks for the suggestions, I live in Southern Ohio where we do get snow and they do salt the roads. As for the google idea, I have been on the computer all evening and that is where I found out the recalls were up to 04........

I would buy it even if it does have a rusted frame. Take it to the dealer & have them inspect it. If the frame is bad, u can make a little money on it & go look for another one. They pay big money for the buy back. More than what the truck is worth. Had my 03 checked & it is good. They said they would stand behind it for 15 years.